Water may be our most important natural resource in need of protection. This is especially true in a state like Florida, which is home to one of the largest wetlands in the United States — the Everglades.

Everglades National Park provides drinking water for nearly 8 million people in Southeast Florida through its aquifers, which are underground caves where rainfall is naturally absorbed and collected. The water here is being depleted however due to drought and wetland drainage. As more people continue to move to the Sunshine State, conserving and replenishing Florida’s water supplies has become critical.

Looking to help out, Coke Florida offered up a way to help conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff: rain barrels. Rain barrels made of repurposed syrup drums collect and store rainwater from roofs to be reused for lawn care, gardening, washing cars and other non-drinking water needs. 

The rain barrels can save homeowners an estimated 1,300 gallons of water each year per barrel, helping residents save money and protect our most precious resource. 

Rain barrels also can help reduce stormwater runoff, which can contain harmful sediment that pollutes lakes, streams and groundwater. By reducing runoff, the barrels help preserve and protect habitats with endangered wildlife and maintain the health of the state’s important watershed. 

To learn more about Coke Florida’s rain barrel program, click here.